Over two years ago, I was introduced to a fantastic educational video streaming service called CuriosityStream.

And it was love at first sight.

(You can read my original -and super outdated- review here. My kids were so little!)

I have wanted to write an updated review forever because it has been two years and our family still uses CuriosityStream all the time.

With the holidays upon us, I thought it was the perfect time to share the scoop on the best $2.99 I spend each month.

Seriously.

For less than the cost of one of those fancy Starbucks beverages, our family has access to high-quality on-demand educational documentaries without commercial interruption.

If you have grandparents or extended family asking for gift ideas, CuriosityStream would make a fantastic gift. It is affordable, educational, and your kids will love it. Mine sure do!

How to Use Educational Video Streaming in Your Homeschool

This is where I would normally place a disclosure statement. Two years ago, I worked with CuriosityStream and wrote the review I mentioned above. After my original free trial ran out, I quickly signed up for a membership and we have been using it ever since! I am not kidding when I tell you that it is the best $2.99 I spend each month.

There are several options available for video streaming, including Netflix and Amazon Prime.

The problem I run into is this…

I’ll head to Netflix, or to Amazon, and my kids will immediately see something shiny and completely non-educational… and then they don’t want to watch the educational programming. 

(And my kids LOVE documentaries!)

With CuriosityStream, everything is educational. 

It’s a treasure-trove of documentaries, without the distraction of commercials or less-educational programming. And unlike YouTube, there is no need to worry about your children stumbling into the danger zone. (Do you have Kenny Loggins stuck in your head right now? I’m sorry, but I had to!)

I digress…

How to integrate educational video streaming into your homeschool routine

Whatever streaming service you use, documentaries are fantastic learning tools.

Here are just a few ways our family integrates CuriosityStream’s educational video streaming into our homeschool routine:

• Lunchtime learning – We love to watch and discuss documentaries over lunch!
• Quiet time – I’ll pop on a documentary when everyone is tired (or, when everyone is bickering) and it helps reset our day.
• Unit studies– CuriosityStream has helped me to create more than a few “lazy unit studies” and we have loved every one!
• Multi-age learning – Documentaries are a wonderful way for all students to master tricky concepts.
• Cruddy weather days and sick days – CuriosityStream has saved my bacon on many an under-the-weather day!
• Delight-driven learning– Is your kiddo obsessed with marine life? Set him up with CuriosityStream and see what rabbit holes he discovers! I promise, he’ll learn a ton!

Watch us gush about CuriosityStream here:

This sale I mention in this video is no longer happening, but the content we gush about is spot-on. At $2.99/month, this resource is GOLD.

 

CuriosityStream is our family’s favorite educational video streaming subscription

I know there are other options on the market today, but in my opinion, nothing compares to CuriosityStream. For just $2.99 a month, I get so much bang for my buck!

Here are just a few reasons why we adore CuriosityStream:

• CuriosityStream’s videos are high-quality
• This is a super-affordable resource
• New content is added all the time
• CuriosityStream is easy to use
• CuriosityStream offers a 7-day free trial
• You can cancel at any time
• I love that users can rate what they have watched
• I adore the watchlist- I can plan ahead!

 

This week, we will be studying the ocean. • We have some fun field trips planned, but today is a super rainy day and so we are immersing ourselves in good books, hands-on seashell study, nature journaling, and ocean-themed documentaries via CuriosityStream. •  😉 #mybesthomeschooltip would be to follow Julie and her Poetry Teatime IG account for inspiration! • What will homeschool look like for you today? Share here! • Follow the link in my profile to learn how I create our unit studies (keyword: lazy!). • http://thehomeschoolsisters.com/2017/10/04/lazy-unit-study/

A post shared by MyLittlePoppies (@my_little_poppies) on Oct 9, 2017 at 7:37am PDT

What is CuriosityStream?

CuriosityStream is the world’s first ad-free, on-demand streaming service for quality educational programming.

CuriosityStream delivers over 1,500 titles, including high-quality documentaries and series created by the world’s most accomplished producers. Educate, inspire, and entertain your family whenever and wherever you want to watch.

CuriosityStream was founded by John Hendricks, founder of Discovery Communications, the parent company of – among others- Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, and Science.

CuriosityStream offers the following categories of educational programming:

 

Best part? You can try CuriosityStream for free!

I love when a company offers a free trial.

Because let’s face it- you can read about something and it might sound good… only to sign-up and realize it doesn’t work for your unique family.

With CuriosityStream, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial!

How to subscribe to CuriosityStream

CuriosityStream currently offers three subscription plans: Basic ($2.99/month), Standard ($5.99/month), and Premium ($11.99/month). You can pay monthly or annually and cancel at any time.

CuriostyStream also offers gift cards!

If you have grandparents or aunts and uncles asking what to get your kiddos, have them give CuriosityStream. It is the perfect gift for those insatiable little minds in your life.

Do you love amazing homeschool resources like CuriosityStream? We do, too!

Follow CuriosityStream

Do you like what you see here, folks? Be sure to follow CuriosityStream for all the latest updates. You can follow CuriosityStream on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and G+.

Are you interested in other educational subscription services?

Check out this related post:

• The Best Subscriptions for Your Homeschool

Now, it’s your turn. Tell me: Do you use an educational video streaming service in your homeschool? Share here!